2005 BMW M3 vs. 2004 BMW 525
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (174 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 15 kg more than 2005 BMW M3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2004 BMW 525 (410 Nm) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW M3. (337 Nm). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 2004 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 337 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
